What Are Some Common Ways to Control Mud Wasps?

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Quick Answer

Mud wasps can be controlled or removed from an environment using insecticides or by removing the nests, as stated by PestWorld.org. Nests can be removed by spraying down with water, which will destroy the nests because they are made of mud and dirt, or scraping the nests from their hangings.

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Before removing a mud wasp nest, make sure to be either at a safe distance, or make sure that the nest is inactive. Mud wasps are not known to sting upon sight, such as a regular red wasp; however, if threatened, they will attack. Mud wasps typically remain solitary insects, so each nest will house one and the children that wasp produces.

Nests are better removed because even if the nest is inactive, new wasps are known to reuse the old ones. To prevent wasps from returning, seal up any cracks or areas where the natural prey of the wasps could enter the area. Mud wasps prey on spiders and other small insects. However, completely ridding an area of mud wasps may not be in the best interest as the insects are beneficial to ridding areas of the spider populations, with two species of mud wasps being known to hunt and kill black widow spiders, notes Orkin.